South West startups invited to take part in nationwide event

StartUp 2017 to deliver a big boost to would-be entrepreneurs with workshops, inspiring speakers, panels and more

22nd December 2016

StartUp 2017 is the UK’s biggest startup event of the New Year and it’s inviting fledgling Bristol businesses to take part in a whole day of business boosting workshops, networking events and practical advice sessions on 14 January.

“Every year we help those with heartfelt ambitions of starting-up or wishing to brush-up on their skills”

Run by small-business community and campaigners Enterprise Nation and held at award-winning Bristol-based coworking hub DeskLodge, the event will deliver a big boost to ambitious would-be entrepreneurs in the city. It will also take place at the same time as two other satellite events taking place in London’s Canary Wharf and in Birmingham.

Inspiring speakers

Not complete without a whole host of inspiring speakers, attendees will hear from Jaya Chakrabarti, Founder of Bristol-based fast-growth creative web communications technology media group Nameless, on her best tips for startup success and why Bristol is such a rich source of inspiration for entrepreneurs.

TechSPARK’s own Editor, Jamie Middleton will also be hosting a panel of startups that have used digital technology to build a successful business.

Enterprise Nation’s Founder, Emma Jones, tells us: “Even global political turmoil can’t deter thousands of people from wanting to take control of their destiny and be their own boss. Every single minute of the day, a business is started in the UK, come rain or shine.

“Every year we help those with heartfelt ambitions of starting-up or wishing to brush-up on their skills to pick up very practical advice on subjects like finance and social media, link up with like-minded individuals, get the inspiration to help give their new business idea the very best start, or take their existing business to the next level.

“It’s a whirlwind of a day and leaves everyone’s heads spinning – but it’s the perfect way to absorb everything you need to know before you take the next step.”

Industry experts

Other top speakers and experts include city-based Griff Holland, Co-Founder of Friska, who is building a national café chain from his seven already established here, Mike Jackson (pictured left), Founder of the Engine Shed-based internet incubator WebStart, successful Dragon’s Den applicant Effie Moss, Founder of Just for Tiny People, and digital marketing expert Luan Wise.

“We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of businesses on the day”

The day will also include panels on raising finance and social media with appearances from Oliver Mochizuki, Founder of Fundsurfer, a Bristol-based crowdfunding platform used by hundreds of entrepreneurs to secure finance to build their start-up and Alison Edgar, the Entrepreneurs’ Godmother and Founder of Swindon-based Sales Coaching Solutions.

Bivek Sharma, Head of KPMG Small Business Accounting – one of StartUp 2017’s sponsors, adds: “StartUp 2017 truly is one of the biggest and most important events in the UK for startups and small businesses. It offers inspiration and networking mixed with practical tips on everything you need to know before you start – and how you can inject productivity and growth into an existing concern. We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of businesses on the day.”

Involved in the tech community since her first meetup back in 2013, Alice came on board as TechSPARK's Assistant Editor in 2014 and was promoted to Editor in 2018. She loves a good tech conference and has covered both local and international events over the years. She is also a sucker for anything that uses tech to do good in the world.
In her spare time she can usually be found exploring the great outdoors or taking part in some sort of ridiculous sporting challenge.